India Isn’t Rising—It’s Leading: Dr. Archana Sharma at Republic Summit 2025

New Delhi: At the Republic Plenary Summit 2025 on Thursday, Dr. Archana Sharma, the first Indian scientist at CERN, asserted that India isn’t just rising—it’s leading.

Dr. Sharma shared that from a young age, she aspired to make a difference in society. Recalling the challenges of being the first Indian scientist at the European research agency, she said, “We were not seen as useful people, and that was a challenge to overcome.”

Citing a personal experience, she recounted, “One day, I was driving when another woman approached from the opposite side. I was expected to move my car, and she yelled at me, ‘Go back to your country!’” She emphasized that in moments like these, Indian education which instills resilience and the tenacity to overcome difficult situations—becomes invaluable. “I just locked my door and sat there until she backed off,” she added.

Dr. Sharma further shared how she felt intimidated when she first started working at CERN, despite her education at top Indian institutions like Delhi University and BHU. She reiterated that Indians learn to overcome challenges. Even while juggling work, studies, and motherhood, she persevered until one day, she was offered a position at CERN.

“I would never let this opportunity go,” she said, despite being given a difficult role.

“I was assigned a large laboratory filled with junk and asked to convert it into a radiation detector lab,” she recalled.

After waiting for three months, she mustered the courage to put up a notice that read: “Please pick up your things, or I will throw them out.” She personally cleared out everything and searched for students to assist her, as she had no team.

“That’s where my journey began,” she said.

Gradually, she assembled a group of students, and over time, 30–40 students from India joined her lab. She trained them, helping spread the spirit of technology and innovation.

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India Is Moving Ahead

Dr. Sharma emphasized that India is in a transformational moment.

“Our sensibilities have been shaped by colonialism. But from the 1990s to the early 2000s, a shift began percolating from India. We were able to deliver not just within the country, but globally.”

She recalled proposing a new technology for an experiment to CERN’s management, but it was initially rejected due to a lack of funds.  She and her students worked together, collaborating with multiple industries to prove that the technology could work.

“This experiment is about uncovering the secrets of the universe,” she explained, adding that the invention of the World Wide Web (WWW) at CERN has fueled a trillion-dollar economy.

Reclaiming Science on Our Own Terms

Dr. Sharma stressed that India cannot afford to rest on its laurels.

“We still have miles to go if we dare,” she said. “I am just like any of you, I once had no idea which direction to take. But today, with the leadership we have, believe me, when our Hon. External Affairs Minister speaks anywhere, our heads are held high.”

She noted that Indians abroad now feel proud of their identity. “It was once difficult to stand firm, but EAM Jaishankar has taught us to stand tall as Indians. It’s time to reclaim science on our own terms.”

The Republic Plenary Summit 2025: Limitless India

The Republic Plenary Summit 2025, India’s biggest and most influential news event, is live, bringing together the brightest minds to shape the future of a Limitless India—an India of infinite potential, innovation, and global leadership. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest, the summit opened with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, setting the stage for transformative discussions.

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